The Past Will Be Your Present. -Tagline for the movie

Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) are a young married couple whose life is going just as planned until a chance encounter with an acquaintance from Simon’s high school sends their world into a harrowing tailspin. Simon doesn’t recognize Gordo (Joel Edgerton) at first, but after a series of uninvited encounters and mysterious gifts prove troubling, a horrifying secret from the past is uncovered after more than 20 years. As Robyn learns the unsettling truth about what happened between Simon and Gordo, she starts to question: how well do we really know the people closest to us, and are past bygones ever really bygones? -Synopsis (STX)

This is the 1st film written/directed/produced by Aussie actor Joel Edgerton; I hadn’t seen much of his work before. As he wanted to focus on directing, Edgerton filmed his scenes as Gordo after 2 wks of shooting and completed them in 7 days. He had his hair dyed reddish-brown and wore brown contacts; he naturally has brown hair and blue eyes. This is a 3-hander w/ Edgerton, Bateman (who grew up acting), and Hall (an under-rated British actress from many indies). The cast fit their roles V well; Bateman is known as an easygoing/likeable guy (who the audience will want to root for), while Hall is able to convey strength and vulnerability (w/o saying much).

I’ve been bullied and I’ve also been the bully. –Joel Edgerton (filmmaker) on the theme of the movie

Simon and Gordo grew up near this town in SoCal; Simon and Robyn recently moved into a mid-century modern house (w/ a LOT of glass). Simon has a new job at a big architectural firm; Robyn works from home as an interior designer. They seem to have a loving/strong marriage and want to have kids soon. Edgerton (who has a smaller role than Bateman and Hall) plays Gordo as a socially awkward striver eager to please. He leaves several gifts for the couple; secrets are eventually revealed re: Gordo’s connection to Simon. Bateman gets to stretch himself (show his range) here, esp. in the final act. This is a rare thriller that has (unexpected) thrills, even IF you’re a fan/know this genre well. It is best to go in NOT knowing much; this story will keep you on the edge of your seat (w/ its clever direction).